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Wills lawyer in Mississauga

A will is how you decide who looks after your family and who receives what you have worked for. Lawcrest helps individuals, couples and families across Mississauga and the GTA prepare clear, valid wills in plain language, with care for the people who matter most to you.

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Confidential and privilegedPlain-language adviceFees discussed upfrontMississauga office

Decide for yourself

Without a will, the law decides who inherits and who looks after your children. A will puts you in control and gives your family clarity.

416-830-3369

Why everyone needs a will

A will is a legal document that sets out what should happen to your property after you die, who will manage your estate and, if you have young children, who will care for them.

It is one of the most caring things you can do for your family. A clear will reduces conflict, saves time and spares your loved ones difficult decisions.

We take time to understand your family and wishes, explain your options in plain language and prepare a will that is valid in Ontario and that works as you intend.

Individuals and couplesWills for every stage of life, from a first will onward.
ParentsNaming guardians and protecting your children inheritance.
Business owners and property ownersWills that fit more complex assets.

Wills we prepare

If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly how we can help.

Simple wills

Clear wills for individuals with straightforward wishes.

Wills for couples

Coordinated wills for spouses and partners that work together.

Wills with young children

Naming guardians and setting up trusts so children are cared for.

Blended family wills

Balancing the needs of a spouse, children from different relationships and others.

Business owner wills

Wills that deal with company shares, which may include more than one will.

Planning for a beneficiary with a disability

Trusts that provide for a loved one without affecting government benefits.

Cross-border wills

For people with property or family in more than one country.

Updating or replacing a will

Keeping your will current after major life changes.

When should you speak to a lawyer?

The best time is now. These life events are also a signal to make or update a will.

You are getting married or separatingMarriage can affect an existing will, and separation changes your plans.
You have a child or grandchildName guardians and plan for their future.
You buy a home or start a businessYour assets and wishes have changed.
Someone named in your will has diedYour executor or a beneficiary may need replacing.
You moved to CanadaAn older or foreign will may not work here.
Your health or family situation changesMake sure your will reflects your current wishes.

What a will can do

A well-drafted will deals clearly with the points that matter most to your family.

Name your estate trusteeThe person who will manage your estate, with a backup.
Name guardians for your childrenYour choice of who will care for them if both parents die.
Make specific giftsParticular items, money or property to named people or charities.
Divide the rest of your estateThe remainder of your property among those you choose.
Set up trustsTo hold and manage money for children or other beneficiaries.
Record other wishesSuch as funeral arrangements or care of pets.

What happens without a will?

If you die without a valid will, Ontario law sets out who inherits, based on your family. It may not match your wishes, and it does not allow for special gifts, trusts or guardians for your children.

Your family may also face delays, extra costs and court involvement. A will is usually far simpler and cheaper than the problems that follow without one.

What a will cannot do

Knowing the limits helps you plan properly. We explain how your will works with the rest of your affairs.

Override a spouse rightsA spouse may have certain rights under family law that a will cannot remove.
Ignore dependants entirelyDependants may be able to claim support from the estate.
Control assets with named beneficiariesInsurance, registered plans and jointly held property often pass outside the will.
Work without proper signingA will must meet strict formal requirements to be valid.

Common mistakes we help you avoid

A will that is invalid or unclear can cause the very problems it was meant to prevent.

Do-it-yourself errorsWill kits and online forms that miss important points.
Improper witnessingOntario has strict rules about signing and who can witness.
No backup executorLeaving no one to step in if your first choice cannot act.
Forgetting beneficiary designationsAccounts and policies that contradict your will.
No guardian for childrenLeaving that decision to the court.
Never updatingA will that no longer matches your life.

How we work with you

A clear process, with no surprises about where your will stands.

Consultation

You tell us about your family, assets and wishes. We listen, ask the right questions and explain your options.

Plan your estate

We help you choose your executor, guardians and beneficiaries, and think through any special needs.

Draft your will

We prepare a clear will that reflects your wishes and meets Ontario requirements.

Review

You read the draft, we answer your questions and make any changes you want.

Signing

We arrange a proper signing with the required witnesses, so the will is valid.

Keep it safe and current

We explain where to store your will and when to review it, and can hold it for you if you wish.

How we price our work

We discuss costs at the start, so you can plan and decide with confidence.

Simple willOne person

A clear, valid will for an individual with straightforward wishes.

Wills for a coupleCoordinated documents

Two wills prepared together, so they work well with each other.

Will with trustsMore complex planning

Wills with trusts for children or beneficiaries with special needs.

Business owner willsSpecialized planning

Wills that deal with company shares and business interests, in coordination with your accountant.

Updating a willKeep it current

A new will or an amendment after a major life change.

What to bring to your consultation

Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.

Government-issued photo ID
Your existing will, if you have one
A general list of your assets and debts
Names and contact details of the people you want to include
Beneficiary designations on insurance and registered plans
Your thoughts on guardians and who should be your executor

Why clients choose Lawcrest

You are trusting us with your family and your wishes. This is how we earn that trust.

Plain-language advice

No jargon. You understand each choice before you make it.

Cost clarity

We discuss our fees at the start so you can decide with full information.

Respectful and discreet

We treat your family and wishes with care.

Confidential

What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.

Responsive

Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your file moves.

Done correctly

Proper drafting and signing, so your will holds up when it is needed.

Regulated lawyers

Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Local and accessible

Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.

Frequently asked questions

Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.

Do I really need a will?

If you own anything or have family who depend on you, yes. Without one, the law decides who inherits, who manages the estate and who cares for your children.

How often should I update my will?

Review it after major life events, such as marriage, separation, a new child, a new home or business, or the death of someone named in it. Many people also check it every few years.

Can I write my own will?

A handwritten will can be valid in Ontario if it follows certain rules, but it is risky. Mistakes and unclear wording often lead to disputes. A lawyer helps avoid them.

Who should be my executor?

Choose someone you trust who is organized, honest and willing to act. Consider naming a backup. We talk through your options and any family issues.

Does marriage cancel my will?

In Ontario, marriage generally revokes an earlier will unless it was made with that marriage in mind. Separation has different effects. Review your will whenever your family situation changes.

Can I leave someone out of my will?

You have wide freedom, but spouses have certain rights and dependants may be able to claim support. We explain the risks so you can plan with confidence.

Where should I keep my will?

In a safe, known place, and tell your executor where it is. We can store your original will if you wish.

Is my information confidential?

Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.

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